Father's letter disowning gay son goes viral online

"This is what hate looks like." That was a man's introduction to a letter his father wrote when the dad learned his son was gay. "Don’t expect any further conversations with me. No communications at all," the father wrote.

Written five years ago, the letter has gone viral online, and has soared to one of the top spots on the community website reddit. It was originally posted on reddit by user RegBarc and it's unclear who the user truly is and if his letter has been verified.

The reddit user headlined the letter with, "5 years ago, I was disowned via letter when I came out to my father."

In its entirety, the letter reads: James: This is a difficult but necessary letter to write. I hope your telephone call was not to receive my blessing for the degrading of your lifestyle. I have fond memories of our times together, but that is all in the past. Don’t expect any further conversations With me. No communications at all. I will not come to visit, nor do I want you in my house. You’ve made your choice though Wrong it may be. God did not intend for this unnatural lifestyle. If you choose not to attend my funeral, my friends and family will understand. Have a good birthday and good life. No present exchanges will be accepted. Goodbye, Dad.

So far, on reddit alone, the letter's post has attracted more than 4,200 comments since it was uploaded 19 hours ago.

In the comments section, the man RegBarc relates a story about visiting his dad's home: "About 3 years ago, I flew back to the area (I live in Los Angeles now and am from PA) and ended up almost unconsciously driving to his house. I do mean unconsciously, I had no plans to go there and drove straight from the airport to there. Across the street is a little league complex and I just parked there innocuously staring at it for about 10-15 minutes. Nobody came out, I didn't leave the car. But after that, I was done and drove away."